key term - Richard Pettigrew

Definition

Richard Pettigrew was a prominent American politician and businessman in the late 19th century, known for his role in advocating for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. As a key figure in the political landscape, he was instrumental in promoting economic interests in Hawaii, especially for American sugar planters, which played a significant part in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards the islands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Richard Pettigrew was a U.S. Senator from South Dakota and played a crucial role in lobbying for Hawaii's annexation during his political career.
2. He was closely aligned with sugar planters and business interests in Hawaii, which heavily influenced his support for U.S. involvement in Hawaiian affairs.
3. Pettigrew believed that annexing Hawaii would provide strategic military advantages and enhance trade opportunities for the United States.
4. His efforts were part of a broader movement among American politicians and businessmen seeking to expand U.S. influence in the Pacific region during the late 19th century.
5. Pettigrew's advocacy for annexation contributed to the eventual passage of the Newlands Resolution in 1898, which formally annexed Hawaii to the United States.

Review Questions

• How did Richard Pettigrew's background and interests influence his support for Hawaiian annexation?
  • Richard Pettigrew's background as a politician and businessman heavily influenced his support for Hawaiian annexation. His connections with American sugar planters meant he had a vested interest in expanding U.S. influence over Hawaii, where sugar production was a key economic activity. This alignment of economic interests with political aspirations led Pettigrew to advocate strongly for annexation, seeing it as beneficial not only for the U.S. but also for American businesses operating in Hawaii.
• Evaluate the implications of Richard Pettigrew's lobbying efforts on U.S.-Hawaiian relations during the late 19th century.
  • Richard Pettigrew's lobbying efforts had significant implications for U.S.-Hawaiian relations, shifting them from an independent kingdom towards becoming a U.S. territory. His strong advocacy for annexation showcased how personal and economic interests could shape foreign policy decisions. This shift marked a critical point in Hawaiian history as it led to increased American presence and influence on the islands, ultimately diminishing Hawaiian sovereignty and altering its political landscape.
• Assess the long-term consequences of Richard Pettigrew's role in Hawaiian annexation on contemporary views of U.S. imperialism.
  • The long-term consequences of Richard Pettigrew's role in Hawaiian annexation have shaped contemporary views on U.S. imperialism by highlighting how economic motivations often drive expansionist policies. His actions exemplify how business interests can lead to significant geopolitical changes, leading to debates about sovereignty, self-determination, and colonial legacies that still resonate today. The annexation of Hawaii serves as a case study of the complexities surrounding U.S. expansion, raising questions about ethical implications and impacts on indigenous populations that remain relevant in discussions of U.S. foreign policy.

Related terms

Annexation:

The process by which a country officially adds territory to its own, often through military force or political negotiation.

Hawaiian Kingdom: The independent nation-state that existed before the annexation by the United States, ruled by a monarchy until the overthrow in 1893.

Cleveland's Rejection: The stance taken by President Grover Cleveland against the annexation of Hawaii following the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, emphasizing a desire to restore the monarchy.